Research Manager - APAC

Research Manager – APAC

Bolt Insight is looking for an experienced and consultative Research Manager to lead our growing presence across the APAC region. This is a senior, client-facing research role at the forefront of AI-moderated consumer insight; and a genuine opportunity to help build something from the ground up. If you understand APAC markets, love turning complex data into decisions, and want to work at the cutting edge of how insight is done, we want to hear from you.

Why This Role, Why Now

APAC is a strategic priority for us. We have clients across Southeast Asia and the broader region, and demand is growing faster than we can serve it from a distance. We need someone on the ground, someone who understands the nuance of APAC markets, builds genuine client relationships, and becomes a true research partner to the brands we work with. This is a localisation play as much as a growth play, and it is a rare chance to shape a regional practice rather than inherit one.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead research end-to-end: Design studies, manage fieldwork, drive analysis and deliver findings clients can act on. You take the brief and turn it into a well-structured study; you take the data and turn it into a clear, confident story. Across quantitative and qualitative methods, the quality of the work is yours to own.

• Partner with the Commercial Lead: Work closely with the APAC commercial lead throughout the full client lifecycle, from scoping and proposal through to delivery and debrief. Be consultative, responsive and invested in outcomes, not just outputs.

• Build client relationships: You are the primary research contact for APAC clients. Understand their businesses, anticipate their needs and proactively bring ideas to the table. Clients should feel like they have a genuine research partner, not a vendor.

• Sharpen how we work: Develop processes and standards that make delivery more consistent as we scale. Identify what can be done better and implement it.

• Connect locally, think globally: Work closely with research, product and client teams across our regional offices, feeding regional context back into the global team and ensuring APAC is well represented in how we build and deliver.

What We're Looking For

• 5–8 years in consumer or market research, with strong client-facing experience in an agency or consultancy setting

• Solid quantitative research skills - survey design, fieldwork, analysis and reporting; qualitative exposure is a plus

• Genuinely consultative and a natural problem solver; you dig into the business problem, not just the brief

• A confident storyteller who makes findings land and drives decisions, not just informs them

• Comfortable working across multiple APAC markets and time zones

• High initiative, you spot what needs building and you own it

• Commercially curious and energised by growth

• Excellent written and spoken English; additional APAC language capability is a plus

• Genuinely excited about where AI is taking the research industry

Why Work for Bolt Insight?

At Bolt Insight, we’re a vibrant and growing start-up mentality business with a passionate team that thrives on innovation and collaboration. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Remote working and the flexibility to work in a nomadic way – Enjoy the best of both worlds, balancing work and life your way.

• Flexible working environment – We trust you to manage your time and work in a way that suits you best.

• Private Medical Insurance - Your health and well-being are important to us, and we’ve got you covered.

• Business referral bonus – If you know someone who’s a great fit for the team, we’ll reward you for it!

• Virtual or local team gatherings – Whether online or in person, we love to connect and celebrate our successes together.

• In-house recognition awards – We celebrate our ‘lightning bolts’ (those who go above and beyond) and show our appreciation for hard work!

At Bolt, curiosity, creativity and passion matter most. If you’re excited about shaping the future of research and contributing to a culture built on innovation and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.

Bolt Insight is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse and professional workplace for all. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals, no matter their background or identity, feel valued and supported.

If you have specific requirements throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to a member of our HR team who will make the appropriate adjustments.

Apply today and join a dynamic, international team driving innovation across borders!